For Tim von Gal, CEO of Intersect Art + Design Fair, Aspen is a majestic town as well as a thriving ecosystem shaped by community, creativity, and ever-changing light. As he leads another edition of the fair, von Gal shares a deep appreciation for Aspen’s layered perspectives, both literal and cultural. From the sweeping view atop Red Mountain Road to the Shepard Fairey murals beaming in town corners, art in Aspen reveals itself in both grand gestures and subtle details.
Von Gal generously took the time during a busy fair schedule to share insights with Whitewall. Here, he highlights the region’s rich public art initiatives, as well as the warmth and generosity of the Aspen community.
Intersect Art + Design Fair CEO Tim von Gal shares a few words before presenting Cristina Mittermeier with Intersect Aspen Art + Design’s 2025 Artist Award. Photo: Nick Tininenko. Courtesy of Intersect Art + Design Fair.
WHITEWALL: What’s the best spot to find inspiration in Aspen?
TIM VON GAL: Whenever I get the chance, I love to go up Red Mountain Road and look back on Ajax and the town of Aspen. It is such a beautiful image at all times of day with the changing light giving it such different and inspiring perspectives.
“Whenever I get the chance, I love to go up Red Mountain Road and look back on Ajax and the town of Aspen,”
Tim von Gal
Aspen mountain looking downtown; courtesy of Watch Week Aspen.
WW: Where’s the best off-the-beaten-path place to see art in Aspen?
TVG: That is an incredibly tough question because of the extraordinary efforts of Red Brick, ACRA and Aspen Skiing Company to develop and expand public art in Aspen. There are very few places in the world where you can see such beautiful works on a mountain and throughout the community. And, of course, the 2018 and recent public murals of Shepard Fairey are absolutely stunning tributes to this unparalleled art community.
“There are very few places in the world where you can see such beautiful works on a mountain and throughout the community,”
Tim von Gal
Intersect Aspen 2025 VIP Opening Preview and Reception, Photo: Nick Tininenko. Courtesy of Intersect Art + Design Fair.
WW: What’s the best-kept secret in Aspen?
TVG: The kindness and generosity of this community does not get enough recognition. The love and support we have received is overwhelming. From well known collectors to the people who work hard to make Aspen such a unique destination, we have always been welcomed with tremendous warmth, encouragement and inspiration from this community.
“The love and support we have received is overwhelming,”
Tim von Gal
Tim von Gal’s Best of Aspen:
1. The Joy of Discovering Intersect Aspen
Intersect Aspen 2025 VIP Opening Preview and Reception, Photo: Nick Tininenko. Courtesy of Intersect Art + Design Fair.
Aspen comes alive in the summer with visitors flocking to the high mountain town to escape the heat and humidity found elsewhere. Intersect Aspen offers an intimate, curated setting for visitors to encounter modern and contemporary art and design presented by galleries from around the world. This boutique fair is timed during Aspen’s peak art season, attracting top collectors to the region for one of the art world’s most influential weekends of the year. – Intersect Aspen
2. Relax at the Mountainside Hub of Ajax Tavern
Photo by C2 Photography, Chris Council, and Emily Chaplin, courtesy of Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell.
Say “apres-ski,” and most people picture something strikingly similar to Ajax Tavern – glamorous yet relaxing at the base of the slopes. Ajax Tavern’s sun-soaked, mountainside patio, next to the Silver Queen Gondola is the restaurant in Aspen for casual fine dining in an unbeatable atmosphere. The Tavern comes to life at lunch, and the party rolls on well into the night. If you go no further on the menu, try the truffle fries and Ajax wagyu double cheeseburger – they have earned their reputation. – Ajax Tavern
3. Get Inspired at Red Brick Center for the Arts
Paepcke Park’s “Unsui (Mirror),” a monumental public art installation by artist Sanford Biggers. Lance Gerber photo. Courtesy of Aspen Times.
The Red Brick Center for the Arts is a cornerstone of Aspen’s cultural vitality, nurturing creativity and collaboration. It features exhibitions by contemporary Colorado artists, offers art classes for all ages, creates public art experiences, and provides artist studios and nonprofit spaces. We believe that through creativity, collaboration, and shared experiences, a community can thrive. – The Red Brick Center for the Arts
4. Enjoy the Shepard Fairey Murals from 212GALLERY
Shepard Fairey, Courtesy of 212GALLERY, Aspen.
Amid the challenges of the pandemic, 212GALLERY pivoted its model to focus on an exciting new direction. Embracing the transformative power of public art, 212GALLERY has since shifted its focus Art Advisory and building important collections as well as to creating impactful public art projects with corresponding pop-up exhibitions – such as the striking, large-scale Shepard Fairey Mural that 212 brought to Aspen in 2018 – Aspen’s first ever large scale public art project, which exemplified 212’s commitment to enriching public spaces with extraordinary art. -212 Gallery
